Question 1

How does the escrow protection actually work?

Accepted Answer

When you buy a bass, your card is charged in full and the funds are held by Trading Basses in escrow — the seller isn't paid yet. After the bass is delivered, you get a 48-hour inspection window. You either approve the condition (which releases the payout to the seller) or open a return if the bass doesn't match the listing. The seller only gets paid once you confirm the delivered condition.

Question 2

What is the seller fee, and is there really a cap?

Accepted Answer

The seller listing fee is 3% of the sale price, hard-capped at $99. On a $3,000 bass that's $89; on a $5,000 bass it stays at $99 — it never goes higher. Credit-card processing (2.9% + $0.30) is also deducted at payout. During our launch, qualifying founding sellers pay $0 in seller fees for the promotional window.

Question 3

How does "Make an Offer" work?

Accepted Answer

If a seller has offers enabled, you can submit a price below the asking price. We only charge your card if the seller accepts your offer. Once accepted, it becomes a binding purchase that goes through the same escrow and condition-approval process as any other sale.

Question 4

When am I actually charged?

Accepted Answer

You're charged in full at checkout — not just a hold or authorization. The full amount (item price plus shipping) goes into escrow immediately. This is why the seller can ship with confidence and you get the inspection window: the money is already secured.

Question 5

What if the bass arrives and doesn't match the listing?

Accepted Answer

Don't approve condition. Open a return/dispute from your account within the 48-hour window, include your order number and what's wrong, and we'll review the listing against the delivered item. If the seller misrepresented it, we issue a return label and refund the escrowed funds once the bass is on its way back.

Question 6

How does shipping work? Do I need a specific label size?

Accepted Answer

Shipping is built in. Buyers either pay live carrier rates (we fetch real-time UPS/FedEx rates via Shippo for your address) or the seller's flat/free shipping. Sellers can buy a discounted bass-sized label right on Trading Basses or use their own carrier — but tracking and signature delivery are required before escrow can release. Images auto-fit; you don't need to upload exact dimensions for ad creative.

Question 7

I run a bass shop. Can I advertise on Trading Basses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ad placements are available on the homepage, browse page, and listing footer, individually or as discounted bundles. Placements rotate across time slots so all advertisers get fair AM/PM exposure. See our advertising page for current pricing and the slot counts that set the revenue ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions